Undertreatment of women with heart failure: a reversible outcome on hospital readmission.

Heart Failure (HF) is now an epidemiologic nightmare, with a higher prevalence in older women. Overall, within the population, more women have HF even with age-adjusted rates for both sexes. There is evidence that men and women with HF differ with respect to epidemiology, etiology, diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment. Yet, current diagnosis and treatment do not address the gender differences, resulting in the clinical instability of women after discharge and the high rate of unnecessary hospital readmissions within 90 days. Clinical nurse specialist case managers (CNSCMs) are integral in closing the gap for quality outcomes for this population. With patient advocacy, comprehensive monitoring and postdischarge follow-up, and utilization of current research to establish evidence-based practice, outcomes can be markedly improved.